Spooner bullies a lot to maintain a home (9)

I believe the answer is:

housekeep

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'maintain a home' is the definition.
'housekeep' can be an answer for 'maintain' (housekeeping is a kind of maintaining). I'm not certain of the 'a home' bit.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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